Brian and Sarah Butko have
done it again with Roadside Attractions: Cool Cafés,
Souvenir Stands, Route 66 Relics & Other Road Trip Fun.
The authors of Roadside
Giants and Greetings
from the Lincoln Highway have this time focused on
memorable roadside attractions, especially those built between
1920 and 1970. If you're thinking "World's Largest Ball
of Twine," you've got the right idea. "Cadillac
Ranch" is here, too, along with many other old favorites
revered by fans of roadside kitsch. In addition, there are
a number of lesser-known attractions, works of art, and buildings,
some of which no longer exist except in fond road trip memories.

This book is like a virtual museum, and reading
it is a tour through a nostalgia-inducing collection of wonders
from Muffler Men and food-shaped diners to mystery houses
and odd quirks of nature. Also featured are vintage drive-in
movie theatres, mini-golf courses, roadside dinosaurs, classic
diners, gift shops, tourist cabins, and attractions featuring
year-round Christmas. Excellent color photographs enhance
every page.

In addition to their own meticulous research
and thoughtful commentary, the Butkos have included the recollections
of dozens of travel writers, authors, and artists. These "Fan
Favorites" add breadth and color to the book, and many
of them are laugh-out-loud funny.

An attractive hard-cover book, Roaside Attractions
makes a great addition to any coffee table, but it's not just
for armchair travelers. "Getting There," the last
chapter, includes addresses, phone numbers and Web sites for
every attraction in the book, and an additional list provides
more online resources. Even if a road trip was the farthest
thing from your mind when you start reading this book, don't
be surprised if you're making plans by the time you finish.
The Butkos' descriptions, background information, fascinating
trivia, and engaging photographs are sure to inspire many
a sentimental journey.